We also agree that Steve is an honest citizen, one which we are very proud of. He is an excellent model for all policemen.

We pray for Steve’s health to improve so that he may return to the office to lead our city.

JOHN McCAHAN

Upland

Outrageous comparison

I am writing in response to the letter I read in the May 9 paper titled “No time to dance.”

I was stunned to read that the letter writer was actually comparing celebrating the demise of Osama bin Laden to the supporters of al-Qaida celebrating after the terror attacks on Sept. 11. Really?

Can we actually not see the difference between a military action against a leader of terrorism with whom we are at war and supporters of such terrorism dancing in the streets in support of sending planes into buildings and killing thousands of innocent people?

Does the writer actually draw a moral equivalent?

This kind of thinking is outrageous and in my opinion dangerous.

For me, I will recite Proverbs 11:10: “The whole city celebrates when the Godly succeed, they shout for joy when the wicked die.”

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

– George Washington

KELLY GOOD

Chino Hills

Under pressure

The pressure of being an AP student today is unbearable. With marked texts due every other day, government study guides, and math tests every day a student can easily metaphorically die.

The pressure to do well on our $80 tests is an attempt to get college credit. And as soon as we think this is our answer – colleges now might not even accept our AP credit.

In a world of universities, AP classes are a necessity in admission; however, once entrance is granted these classes are useless to the wants of university admissions officers.

KIMBERLY VAN

Chino Hills

Potential to change

I am writing this as an open letter to our fellow human beings of priceless worth, who are involved in the gang lifestyle or associated with others who are.

It is not your fault if you grew up without a dad who was actively and positively involved in your life and whom you felt loved by and close to, and, as a result, you felt tempted to find your identity, acceptance, and worth in a gang.

It is not your fault if you were exposed to violence in your home, in your neighborhood, and/or in your community growing up, and, as a result, you felt fearful and you were tempted to find safety, security, and protection in a gang.

It is not your fault if you weren’t identified as being a child at risk growing up and didn’t receive proactive intervention services and you weren’t able to envision yourself as having the ability to be productive and successful in the world through education, and, as a result, you were tempted to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in your life in a gang.

I am very sorry if you experienced any of these conditions growing up, and, while it is understandable why one would give in to such temptations and join a gang, we are all ultimately responsible for the choices we make in response to the temptations in our lives.

We never have the right, in response to our underlying fear, hurt or anger from a history of neglect or maltreatment, to engage in any form of maltreatment of others or to endanger the lives of innocent bystanders.

Dear gang members, you have priceless worth as individuals and your lives are of inestimable significance. Each of you has the potential to change and to live in such a way that makes a good and lasting difference in the hearts and lives of those around you. What an incredible gift of love it would be for you to free your loved ones from living with the awful fears of you harming or killing others, including innocent bystanders, and of you being seriously injured, killed or imprisoned for life. And what an incredible gift of love it would be for others to come alongside you and affirm, encourage, support and applaud you in your efforts to do what’s right and best for both you and your community.